Taking photographs of women in sexy lingerie is a tricky business. Not only are the technical aspects challenging, but, if the relationship between the subject and the photographer isn't smooth and trusting, the shoot can be uncomfortable for both parties. Fortunately, there are a number of tips both parties can use to minimise awkwardness and maximise sex appeal.

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Introductions

The photographer and model should talk beforehand, both to plan out the shoot and to get comfortable with each other. They should agree on what kind of mood they want from the shoot--erotic, trashy, humorous-- and build some trust by talking.

Wardrobe

Although the model may have opinions about what kind of lingerie she looks good in, the photographer will be more knowledgeable about what looks good on film. The model should therefore present a number options to the photographer beforehand and ask for his perspective.

Location

To feel at ease, the model should pick a location for the shoot in which she's comfortable, such as her bedroom or living room. If the photos are being taken in a studio, she should spend some time walking around it before the shoot to get familiar with it.

Accesories

Think about adding some accessories into the mix. High heels are a classic, but also consider unconventional props such as umbrellas, purses, balloons and handcuffs.

Prepare

Before shooting, be sure to get a good night's sleep and eat a light meal in the morning so you have energy. Also, avoid wearing tight-fighting clothes that can leave imprints on the body, and be sure to shave your bikini line.

Support

If you're nervous about modelling, bring a close friend for moral support. Even if she just sits there, it can be relaxing to be in the presence of someone who's already seen you in your underwear.

Mood

Nervousness in a model will usually show up on a film. Therefore, try to keep the mood light and fun. Photographers should joke with the model, cajole her, tease her--anything to get her to smile and look like she's enjoying herself.

Posing

According to an article by Darren Rowse for Digital Photography School, models posing nude or in skimpy attire often fare best when they stick to simple poses.

Review

Consider shooting on a digital camera so that photos can be reviewed on the spot and corrections can be made. While this is true of all kinds of photography, for boudoir photography in particular you want to get it right on the first try, as the model may not be able to get up the nerve to do reshoots.

Retouching

After the photos have been uploaded to a computer, consider using a photo retouching program, such as Adobe Photoshop, to tweak them. This can include altering the light and colour levels and airbrushing out cosmetic imperfections.